For nearly six years now, staff, students and faculty have been volunteering to support the local community, parts of which are seriously underprivileged. Activities have included painting and renovating community spaces, Christmas toy drives, lectures for local schools and job skills workshops.

2016 promises to be another exciting, busy year for Advancement as we look to close the Campaign. We have raised an incredible £97 million in less than three years, as well as banking over 83,000 volunteer hours. However there is still more to do.

Tim Kopra, EMBAG2013 is Commander of the Soyuz spaceship and will spend 5 months on the International Space Station undertaking a wide range of scientific experiments. A stellar end to a world class year. Thank you so much everyone for all you’ve done to make it so. Happy holidays, Andrew

As you know we are developing our capability in digital learning to enhance the experience of what we teach. We’ve already had two MOOCs (massive online open courses) from Julian Birkinshaw and Nader Tavassoli. John Mullins is preparing a third.

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that LT1 featured on BBC ONE this month. Why? Sir Alex Ferguson was here talking to students about transforming Manchester United into the world’s most valuable football club.